Review: I Ordered Six Utility Jackets For Science.

I did. I totally did. I lost my mind and ordered six different olive green utility jackets in an effort to find one truly good one. Now, I'm sure you're wondering what happened to all the other olive green jackets I already own? Well, the pandemic happened and now everything that fit last fall is tight on me. (I am working on it but in the meantime, no shame, I need stuff to wear.) 

Here's what I was looking for: A lightweight olive green utility jacket with front pockets big enough for my iPhone 11. I also require side pockets for my hands because it's just weird not to have hand pockets. (Looking at you, Downtown Field Jacket.)  Here's what I bought, all in a size medium:

The Obvious Option.
This is the Madewell Dispatch jacket I posted about recently and y'all, it was a disappointment. Stiff and boxy with no real charm or interesting details. It has an adjustable waist drawstring but it's too stiff for that to really change it's shape in a good way. It's not terrible, but for the price I wanted to love it more. Verdict: It was an easy no. Returned.

The Fancy Option.
This is the Drawstring Waist Utility Jacket by The Kooples and I found it on clearance at Bloomingdales. I was SO excited about it and there's a lot to love. It's really well-made and I was into the belt tie and cute inverted pleat in the back. The shiny snaps also made it unusual. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good fit for me. Tight in the shoulders but with slightly too-wide sleeves and I'm not sure it was really very flattering on my shape. Also, oh my god, the dumb snaps. They are NOISY. I have never in my life had a jacket with jingly snaps like this. Seriously what:

It would drive me crazy to wear this. Verdict: Returned. 

The Reader Recommendation.
This is the Gap Utility Jacket and was a reader recommendation! It is really, really good. Despite looking like the Madewell jacket in design, it's not the same at all - it's much more soft and comfy! Basically a perfect light layer. It's a really good fit, with room for a sweater underneath and my phone fits perfectly in the front snap pocket. It also has an adjustable inner drawstring that helps to give it shape, which is a nice feature. The color is a brighter green than some of the others which makes it stand out. Verdict: It's a keeper. 

The Cheap and Cheerful (But Mostly Cheap) Option.
I wanted a cheap-and-cheerful option but the reader-recommended Walmart jacket I was going to order was sold out in my size so I bought this Scoop Utility Jacket instead. Y'all, this thing is such a sad mess. It's runs huge, was flimsy and floppy and the sleeves are crazy long. It doesn't have hand pockets and the little sleeve straps kept falling off. I hated it so much I couldn't even smile for the photos.
Verdict: Returned immediately. 

A Better Cheap and Cheerful Option.
I didn't buy this Target Anorak Jacket but I did try it on in the store. For the price it's really quite good! Definitely no frills (and no hand pockets) but it comes in a few good colors (they didn't have the olive green in my size) and the quality is much better than that Walmart mess above. 

The Other Reader Recommendation.
This one is the Women's Classic Utility Jacket from LL Bean and was also a reader recommendation! It comes in a bunch of colors but I went with the dusty olive for continuity. Overall, I really like it. The fit is good, it's well-made and at $99 it doesn't break the bank. My only issue is that the front snap pockets are undersized and my phone doesn't fit. It was a close run between this one and the Gap jacket but for me, the Gap jacket is just a little tiny bit better. I do love that this one comes in a rich burgundy and a darker green. Verdict: Returning.

The Undecided Option.
My final purchase was the Lightweight Utility Jacket from J.Crew which I've had my eye on for a while. This jacket is on a different level from the others ones I ordered. It's longer, fully lined, and loaded with interesting details:

I got it nearly half off (though it's under $100 right now!) but it was still the most expensive of all of them. But, here's the thing - I freaking LOVE IT. It's so huggy and substantial and the front pockets are so big my phone fits in sideways. It has such good details and an awesome chunky zipper. The only thing I don't like is that when you have the hood folded and zipped into the collar it makes the collar look puffy and stupid. 

Verdict: Undecided. I haven't returned it yet because I truly can't decide if I should keep it. For one thing, I bought this very similar Helly Hansen jacket last fall (though the HH is insulated and waterproof and, if we're being honest, a leetle bit tight RN.) For another, I'm definitely keeping the Gap jacket above. What do you guys think? 

Outfit of the Day: Stuff You Forgot You Bought.

I'm in a weird place with jeans right now. I decided to be brave and try to make boyfriend jeans my new thing and bought a pair of Madewell slim boyjeans that I (mostly) really loved. Then I wore them to work all day and OMG eleven inches of rise is TOO MUCH RISE. So I sold that pair and bought these: 

These are Banana Republic "girlfriend" jeans and they're super comfortable with a reasonable mid-rise. I bought them and then completely forgot all about them which doesn't bode well. They're cute ...but they're not Madewell denim. The wash isn't quite as cool. Something about them just isn't quite perfect. I'm still definitely thinking about that mid-rise pair of Madewell boyjeans at Nordstrom Rack. Loft also has a cute pair on sale but that's just complicating things. Speaking of Loft, I'm wearing my jeans with my favorite Loft utility blouse which, I am going to be honest, I mostly wear like this:

Awww yeah. Untucked af. I do really love both my Loft utility blouses but they're starting to get stained and look a little sad. I checked to see what's new in utility blouses and I am definitely into this  blue print and I think this one looks like a Liberty print. They also have a couple of solid colors with a wide cuff and this petite peacock print is damn cute. 

Here's an old friend - my J. Crew Downtown Field Jacket. I still really like this jacket though it doesn't get as much use as it used to. It now comes in an uncoated version which looks really comfortable and aw, damn. The striped whale shirt is back! I still want that. I know it's not a jacket. Details:

This is a pretty lame closeup because I'm not wearing much jewelry, just my little labradorite pendant. Mine is sold out but this one by Shashi looks really pretty and oooh, check out this one by Mad Jewels! I also love this one on Etsy.

I'm so boring - look at me with a different version of the same MBMJ bag I always carry. This one is "cement" and it's my perfect neutral. This little MJ crossbody (and it's big sister) are the same color and so is this one! It's a great "goes with everything" color. My Chelsea boots are Cole Haan Landsman which I got at Costco and they've been great. Next fall I'll find a fancier pair but for now these are doing the job just fine. 

That's all for today! If you have a boyfriend jean style you love, do tell. 

Adrien: Après Summer.

xDisclosure: I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post. 

Not quite summer, not yet fall aka the worst time of year. Yet, I managed to be a total hero-like person and clothe myself appropriately:

It's not very exciting, but it feels slightly more appropriate than cut-off shorts and Birkenstock sandals. Le sigh. So, I'm wearing an old pair of J.Crew utility pants that I'd buy another pair of if they still made them. No worries, Gap has a cute pair and so does Loft! But, oh, my heart wants this Joie pair so so much. These are also super damn cute and not as tight. 

My t-shirt is Everlane, one of the newer scoop neck tees. I like it okay though it's a slimmer cut than my beloved Cotton V and it's not really very scoop-y. It's really, like, a crewneck that doesn't strangle you. It's fine, it's a black t-shirt. I am, of course, drawn to the Open Neck Tee even though it would fall right off my puny shoulders. Boo. 

It's suddenly sort of jacket weather so I dusted off my beloved old J.Crew Downtown Field jacket that I still love. I worried it would be too much army green in one outfit but whatever. It's fine. I am currently obsessed with getting a new fall jacket, something that isn't olive green. Maybe this trench coat? I love a trench and my current one is a bit long and slightly too small. Hm. Maybe. I also want a leather jacket and these are conflicting goals. Details:

My pendant necklace is from Madewell and is fairly similar to this style, which I like a lot. And, ooooh, look, a locket necklace! I dig that too. My bracelets are Giles & Brother skinny railroad spike cuffs. 

Bag and shoes! My bag is a Cambridge Satchel Co twist lock and it's the perfect crossbody for fall. I don't know, it just feels very back-to-school somehow. I also love the "Poppy" version of this bag and the push-lock version, which is a bit more affordable. 

My leopard flats are Madewell skimmers and they're basically dead. Like, they have bald patches and it's time to put them out to pasture. I've been searching for a replacement and even though I love this pair on Spring (use my link for $20 off of $75+), I think these Sam Edelman Rae flats might be the winner. We shall see! 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): J.Crew Clearance Bargains!

J.Crew has a pretty decent sale going on but it ends tonight! 50% off select styles and an extra 40% off final sale styles with code GOSHOP. Use eBates for a downright insulting 1.5% cashback. Sizing is very limited and I'm not a big fan of final sale, but still. I mean, if you’re a fan of Liberty print and a size 4, could you please buy this blouse? It's so pretty! And this red leather iPhone case would make a nice little gift.

Mainly I just want to point out that the Downtown Field Jacket (which I have and love) is available in a canvas color that would be very perfect for spring:

With the sale code it rings in at $71.99. That's good deal! And look, I know this jacket is really popular but it's popular because it's good. (Also, the black one is even cheaper but it's nearly sold out.) I also think this little nugget is worth a look:

The Mini Rider Bag in leopard calfskin rings in at $89.99 after the code which is a lot better than paying retail. (Don't pay retail, y'all.) Finally, there isn't much final sale jewelry but I do think these earrings are awfully pretty:

They come in at $17.99 after the code! That isn't much money for so much fancy and I want you to be fancy because I care. Happy shopping! 

Adrien: Not Very Scary.

Happy Halloween! This is not a Halloween outfit but I guess it's a costume in that it's my basic weekend uniform. So, sure. This is an Adrien Running Errands costume:

Im wearing my favorite super-slouchy Bowie tee by Daydreamer, maker of super-slouchy thin awesome band tees and also some weird stuff I'd never wear. This one is a pretty good Bowie tee and I also like this super-destroyed Ramones tee. (Am I too old to pull that off? Probably.) Also, since I'm talking about DB stuff, this Bowie print button down shirt is not something I would wear but I love that it exists in the world. And! Kate Moss is killing me. And, I want this bracelet even though it's mostly string. I'm a sucker. 

My jeans are my very awesome Fidelity Sola skinnies in Coronado wash. I haven't spent this much on jeans in a long time but I'm so happy I sucked it up and bought these. They're just really good quality and don't stretch out at all. This pair of Fidelity straight legs is on sale and I am REALLY tempted but I do not need jeans. I do not need jeans. I do NOT NEED JEANS.

I needed a layer so I added my much loved Downtown Field jacket. It's actually really good for grocery shopping because you can put your list in one pocket and your phone in the other and everything is right there for you! I've mentioned this before, but J.Crew Factory has a navy version that's slightly longer and has a hood. Super cute, too. And there's a quilted version! (Both an extra 31% off until 3pm!) On to details: 

I'm wearing my amazing little silver wings necklace from My Precious Studio and a leather cuff bracelet from Fisticuffs leather. Both handmade! My bag is a Cambridge Satchel Co. twist lock bag in oxblood.  It's a great little bag for running around when you want to be hands-free and not carry a lot of stuff. Plus, it looks cool. Marianne's Large Push Lock also comes in the oxblood color and it's about the same size. 

Finally, new Lucky Brand booties are getting a ton of love from me lately. So comfortable and walkable, I can't recommend them enough! Also, just FYI, 6pm has the bisque color marked down below $90, though the sizing is limited. I also kind of love the olive suede version. Hmm. Boots. 

That's all for October! Have a happy Halloween, kids. 

Adrien: Saturday Layering.

I think I've complained enough about the 40° temperature swing in your average fall day (Winter coat! Bikini! Tall boots! Tank Top!) so I'll just say I'm trying to cope with layers. This outfit was from Saturday which was spent in the usual way - groceries, lunch out, errands, etc. Definitely casual but I had some fun with it:

Pretty basic, yes? My striped shirt (always a staple) is from Ann Taylor from a few years back, but they have this one that looks pretty similar. Gap also has a good one right now and Everlane is always a solid choice for stripes.  I'm also wearing my new Fidelity Sola jeans which have proven to be a good purchase. They don't slide down or stretch out! The wash on my pair is Coronado which is available on the slim boot style. 

I added a lightweight scarf that I think came from Ross? I can't remember! But I do love pairing leopard with stripes like a crazy person. I have something like five leopard print scarves and I'm always looking for more. The muted print on this H&M scarf definitely appeals but I also love this bright purple print.  And oooh, this green infinity scarf option looks promising. This pretty silk Vince Camuto scarf is under $30 and you can always count on Target for a leopard print bargain. 

I topped it all off with my MBMJ Too Hot To Handle Hobo and my old favorite Downtown Field jacket from J.Crew. If you're thinking about buying one, just do it. A couple of the colors are on sale right now (but not mine, which is the "mossy brown" color.) The upsides of the Downtown Field Jacket: it's a perfect in-between weather layer, it has good secure pockets for your phone and whatnot and it's sort of waterproof. The downsides: It starts out a little stiff and doesn't have pockets for your hands. Here's a closer look:

I love how it's weathering. In the four years I've had it it's definitely softened up, the snaps have tarnished a bit and the seams are starting to lighten the same way denim does. I love how it looks with a bit of age on it and will continue to wear it (hopefully) for years. Just a note: J.Crew Factory offers a longer version in navy with a hood for under $100.  I also think the Field Mechanic Jacket looks like a softer, more casual option. Oh, and my lapel pin is a vintage Aladdin Sane button my friend Annie gave me! 

I've been wearing my Nike Internationalists a lot lately! I am really starting to get on board with the idea of sneakers-as-fashion and wouldn't mind another pair to add to my collection of one. I've always liked a classic Adidas style and I'm not sorry for wanting these. Also, yay red sneakers! Huh, maybe I should split the difference and get this red Adidas pair instead? Can I pull those off? I also love the cobalt blue colorway of my pair. A lot. *sigh*

Adrien: Seasonal Dressing Disorder.

And then the rains came. I know everyone talks about how much they looooove fall but I don't really get it. It just rains and rains and everything is grey and terrible. It's humid and clammy (but not actually cold) and I have no idea how to dress. This morning I dug around in my closet for something I hadn't worn in a while and found this People Tree dress:

Just a simple striped cotton dress, but they're the most fun to accessorize. People Tree does really cute dresses and lots of stripes. This People Tree Lola dress is basically the long sleeve version of my dress. I also like this shift dress and this Breton striped shirt. This Free People dress is also really similar to mine and I love this mod French Connection dress. I also think this navy striped dress at Nordstrom looks like a solid choice. Sorry, I want all the stripes, you guys. 

I needed some color on a gloomy day, so I threw all my stuff in my old red epi Speedy. Yay accessories! Here are all the details: 

My big tassel necklace is Lulu Frost for J.Crew. I feel like I'm constantly recommending tassels, but they're fun! Don't you like fun? This one by Rebecca Minkoff is really pretty and this Nanette Lepore necklace would go with everything but you really can't beat Lulu Frost for pure tassel craziness.  My watch is my Cluse La Boheme in rose gold and I'm wearing a Giles & Brother Skinny Pied De Biche Cuff. Mine has Tiger's Eye hooves but I also love the brass version.

Ah, it's boot season. That's one of the few things I like about fall and winter. Mine are Loeffler Randall Matilde boots bought via eBay, which I recommend. Look for the older ones that are made in Italy - much better quality. This pair (size 8) with the snaps is pretty cute and this pair in black (size 9) also looks like a good deal*. I have two pairs of these boots and wearing them a lot, so I highly recommend.

I'm a big fan of my old LV epi Speedy. It's not the most practical bag I own, but it's always satisfying to carry. I definitely recommend a structured red satchel if you don't have one. This Calvin Klein saffiano bag would be a solid choice but the rich color on this LRL Newbury satchel is way better. My bargain pick would be this red nugget at Modcloth. Cute! 

Finally, I threw on my favorite J.Crew Downtown Field jacket and was like, huh. This is...it needs something. So I pulled out a scarf (mine is from Ross but reminds me of Missoni) and clearly I am thrilled: 

At least, I was until I walked outside and realized it was 70 degrees and I'm an idiot. Yay. 

* As always, when I recommend items on eBay please do your homework first! I can't guarantee other people's auctions. However, but I'd never recommend an item I wouldn't feel comfortable bidding on.

Adrien: Saturday Bowie and Casual-Fancy.

I thought I'd post a Saturday outfit because I own, um, several Bowie t-shirts and they never get shown on the blog. Now, I love a cool graphic band tee but pulling it off with effortless cool ala Kate Lanphear is a little more challenging, mostly because traditional t-shirts fit like garbage. That's right, I said it. They do. But! I bought this one recently and it had to happen:

I'm slightly ashamed to admit I bought this Ziggy Stardust tee online at Hot Topic (You hush up. And size up.) where they have a surprising amount of Millennial-aimed Bowie stuff, meaning Labyrinth, which is apparently the Bowie of the young. I have opinions on that that I'll keep to myself.  Bowie tees are everywhere right now - this one at Macy's is pretty good and I'll admit this one at Kohl's is tempting me. Finally, torturing me on a daily basis is this ridiculously cool R13 Bowie tee that has no business being so expensive. Ugh. 

I'm wearing last year's Banana Republic distressed skinny jeans. They super comfortable! This pair looks like a slightly darker wash version and I'm intrigued by this limited edition pair. 

Details! I'm wearing my Cluse La Bohème Rose Gold watch and a sparkly bracelet that Marianne made me. I'm also wearing my giant Alexis Bittar ring (which can be found on eBay) but I'm also fascinated by this crazy ring. Go big, y'all. 

I feel like I talk about this bag every week, I'm sorry! I carry it a lot. It's currently only to be found on eBay but this MBMJ Recruit Leather Hobo is quite similar and the Talbots hobo I've mentioned before is on sale!

My shoes? Well, let's face it. These TOMS slip-ons aren't really shoes in the strictest sense but they are damn comfortable and my pair is a little bit sparkly. Casual-fancy or something. This pair of neutral metallic slip-ons would also be a fun casual-fancy option and if that's too subtle there's a straight-up glitter option. And oh my God, you guys. THERE IS SNAKE PRINT. Dammit. I like those. 

The weather was questionable so I threw on my old faithful J.Crew Downtown Field jacket. There is no substitute so I won't even try. Good day to you.

Adrien: Fancy Casual.

This is what I wore Saturday to run errands and have a casual lunch out with Kate. Jeans, sneakers, long sleeved tee. Pretty basic stuff, right? Right.

I'm wearing my favorite Old Navy Rockstar jeans with a very old striped tee from Ann Taylor. Definitely check out the Old Navy Rockstar jeans if you haven't already. Kate has this pair and they're really good. It's not hard to find a striped tee but this boatneck version at AT is awfully cute and this one from Gap is has potential. They're everywhere.

In an attempt to make things a bit less basic I threw on my chunky bejeweled Lulu Frost for J.Crew tassel necklace. I like big jewelry paired with bold stripes because delicate pieces get lost. Right now J.Crew Factory has a really cute tassel necklace but you could also go full glorious Lulu (on sale!) and it would be a solid choice. Man, I love that. Also this deco version which is most decidedly not on sale. *sigh*

To break my Downtown Field Jacket habit I threw on my crazy purple DVF duffle coat. There isn't much similar but this LL Bean duffle is pretty cute in plum.

I'm carrying my old faithful MBMJ Hillier Hobo which is starting to look a little shabby around the edges. Still a great bag and the updated version looks pretty good. This Madewell hobo might also be a decent replacement. Hmm.

Ah, finally, my cute sneakers. These are the Nike Internationalist and I love them. They're sporty and retro in a French editor kind of way, right? I really want another pair in this mulberry colorway but I'm trying to be good. Trying. 

Adrien: Keeping It Simple.

Ever have one of those mornings where you just want to collapse on the floor of your closet and howl, "whhhyyyyyyy!" because you have to get dressed and go to work like an adult? Just me? I'm maybe being a bit dramatic but that's what I felt like doing yesterday. Then I put some clothes on: 

It was a fairly warm day so I took the opportunity to wear one of my favorite Marshall's finds - an Olive and Oak blouse that I wish I had in ten different colors/patterns. It's so easy! I haven't explored this brand very much but this O&O print blouse looks cute and the price is right. For something in the peasant blouse style I like this one and this one by Lucky Brand. And, there's always Joie if you don't mind spending a bit more. So pretty. 

My pants are black brushed twill 7 For All Mankind Slim Cigarette Jeans which, sadly, they don't make anymore unless you want them in hunter green or cranberry.  My shoes are a very old and much-loved pair of Chie Mihara mary janes. This pair is about as close as I can get to something even remotely similar, but if you love CM, these red sandals are awfully nice looking. For something more affordable I think this pair of Miz Mooz is really cute. 

Details! I'm wearing my Cluse La Bohème Rose Gold watch and a couple of Banana Republic necklaces layered all fancy-like. One of mine is a scarab pendant so I was happy to see that BR brought back the beetles in brooch and earring form! I kinda love them. They have a few new necklaces I have my eye on as well - this little sparkle cluster is intriguing and I still want the fringe ID pendant necklace. 

This is my Too Hot to Handle hobo in cement and it's probably the bag I carry most often. Barney's has the bucket bag version in this color but it's getting harder to find. To finish things off, a jacket and scarf:

I'm wearing my great new Barbour Union Jack scarf (see the whole thing here!) with my J.Crew Downtown Field jacket. The combinations of red and olive green is making me happy.

Daniel seems to like it too. Hi there, little buddy.